The Futsal Whites will take huge confidence into the semi-finals of the OFC Futsal Nations Cup after wrapping up the group stages with a third successive win, defeating hosts New Caledonia 4-2.

With both teams’ berths in the final four already secured, Group A supremacy was on offer for the Futsal Whites and Les Cagous in the final pool game of the competition. 

James Namuli came close to scoring first with a shot that crashed against the post at the end of a swift New Caledonian counter. The Kiwis’ woodwork was rattled again, this time by Jean-Michel Poadae, before the hosts took the lead following a lovely finish from Jean-Philippe Sele.

Miroslav Malivuk netted for the Futsal Whites by steering home Lucas da Silva’s pinpoint pass, followed by a quick brace from Dylan Manickum to give the New Zealanders a 3-1 lead at the break. 

Looking to get back into the game, Les Cagous pressed high with Namuli, Romain Guitton and Timothee Delaunay causing problems for the Futsal Whites defence.

At the other end, Logan Wisnewski smashed a 10-metre penalty attempt against the post, while a left-footed drive from Marvin Eakins hit the crossbar.

New Caledonia goalkeeper Rene Tasman denied Stephen Ashby-Peckham after the Kiwis were awarded another 10-metre penalty and Sele forced a save from Elias Billeh at the opposite end.

The Futsal Whites did manage to convert their third 10-metre penalty courtesy of Josh Margetts with just 22 seconds left on the clock but there was still enough time for the hosts to reply thanks to Aser Xuma.
 

The result means New Zealand finish top of Group A and will face Tahiti in the semi-finals while New Caledonia will need to overcome defending champions Solomon Islands for a spot in the title decider.

New Zealand coach Eakins couldn’t hide his delight after the hard-fought win.

“We worked really hard in that game, we knew New Caledonia were a fighting team and they played some pretty good tactical futsal,” he said.

“It could have been a much closer scoreline and I’m certainly happy we came out on top,” he added.

“Tahiti is another team we’ve had some good tussles with over the years, so that’s going to be a good, physical game. New Caledonia prepared us well to face Tahiti and we know we have a few things to tidy up before that game.”
 

Match Details

New Zealand 4 (Miroslav Malivuk 14’, Dylan Manickum 18’, 19’, Josh Margetts 40’)
New Caledonia 2 (Jean-Philippe Sele 12’, Aser Xuma 40’)
HT: 3-1

Semi-Final

New Zealand vs Tahiti
Friday 1 November, 9pm (NZT)
L’Arène du Sud, Nouméa
Live streaming available via www.oceaniafootball.com   

Article added: Thursday 31 October 2019